Gadsden Independent School District Board candidate profiles

Two seats, Districts 2 and 5, are up for election on the Gadsden school board this February.

Elections are Feb. 5.

The Sun-News emailed candidates a questionnaire asking about their qualifications and reasons for running. Excerpts of their responses are below.

Craig Ford, the incumbent candidate for District 5, declined to participate. Ford is currently president of the board.

District #2

Jennifer Viramontes (incumbent)

Qualifications: Current member, president-elect for New Mexico School Boards Association

Top educational issue: School funding

Why are you running?

Over the past six years, I have really worked hard to understand and inform my communities how our district runs. This job is not always easy and is not always comfortable, but watching our students graduate and become successful, happy and just great people is very rewarding.

Why are you qualified?

I feel I am qualified for this position by having ties to the community I represent. I have kids in GISD Schools. ... I also look forward to giving a voice to our area at the state and national level by being on the state board and becoming the NMSBA president.

Most important educational issue?

We need to put the money where our mouth is by paying educators what they deserve in educating our future. We put so much attention on testing that we forget to see what positive things we do. We need to invest in education not only by pay but by infrastructure like the Internet and technology.

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On outreach and communication:

I have always communicated with students and parents in my area. I am very easy to reach (phone, e-mail and visiting.)

In your view, what is the board's role?

My role is to represent all of GISD in a positive manner. It is to help my community to find answers that they may need and may not always like. It is to help give feed back to GISD Administrators of concerns and needs of its community. And, last but not least, to never give up on the kids of our district.

District #5

Stephen Randall (Randy) Moncrief

Qualifications: 22 years as Chaparral Elementary music teacher

Top educational issue: Retaining quality staff

Why are you running?

I feel that school board members should be advocates for public schools. ... My idea is that we invest in solar power in all schools across our state. If Gadsden were to become energy independent, it would save the district nearly $2 million per year. ... I have worked for 22 years to try and overcome the fiscal shortfall in education and will continue to do so if I win this seat or not.

Why are you qualified?

I was a public school teacher for 22 years. I have lived the struggle we face in educating our children. I know the issues the parents, staff and administration face every day.

Most important educational issue?

GISD has a difficult time retaining quality staff. Our salaries must become competitive in our area to retain good teachers.

On outreach and communication:

I will attend as many school functions in the Chaparral area as possible. My contact information will be on the district website. I promise to listen to all stake holders in the district.

In your view, what is the board's role?

School board members are a sounding board between their community and the administration. They cannot act directly on any issue but must raise the issues brought to them or that they see in the district to the attention of the superintendent. We must always put our students FIRST.